SUBJECT: eattle Parks invites input to help shape the future of parks, programs and facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/3/2013 11:15:00 AM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christina Hirsch (206) 684-7241

Seattle Parks invites input to help shape the future of parks, programs and facilities

Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to help plan the future of Seattle’s parks, programs, community centers and other facilities at one of six upcoming public meetings.

Parks is starting an important public conversation to ensure we have a great park system for generations to come. The goal is to gather public input to be incorporated into the final Parks Legacy Plan. This plan will be presented to the City Council in December to help guide future funding options.

“After an expansion of our system was made possible by several consecutive voter-approved property tax levies, we are at a crossroads,” said Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams. “Now it’s time to ask the hard questions: Are we spending resources as effectively as possible? What does the public think of our park system? What are the basic services we provide?”

To honor Parks’ 130-year legacy and to plan for our future, Parks needs to hear from Seattle residents, park neighbors and park users. Parks has scheduled a series of public meetings in May and encourages everyone who enjoys parks, community centers, swimming pools or other facilities to come and tell us what you think. The goal is to offer access and opportunity to all, in a sustainable way.

Seattle Parks will gather input on how we preserve the Seattle Parks and Recreation legacy. Parks will pose such questions as: